[Therapy-related myelodysplastic syndrome as a late adverse event of definitive chemoradiotherapy for esophageal and oropharyngeal cancer]

Nihon Shokakibyo Gakkai Zasshi. 2015;112(9):1664-73. doi: 10.11405/nisshoshi.112.1664.
[Article in Japanese]

Abstract

The risks of myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) and acute leukemia are increased in patients previously treated for other malignancies. Therapy-related MDS (t-MDS) occurs after exposure to certain cytotoxic agents or radiation used for cancer treatment. We report a case of t-MDS following curative chemoradiotherapy (CRT) for esophageal and oropharyngeal cancer. An 80-year-old male diagnosed with double cancers of the esophagus and oropharynx underwent definitive CRT and achieved a complete response. Six years later, he became anemic, and bone marrow examination showed 3.4% blast cells with fine chromatin structures and basophilic cytoplasm. Cytogenetic analysis indicated a complex karyotype that included chromosome 5 and 7 abnormalities. These findings were consistent with t-MDS. Subsequently, he developed acute myeloid leukemia and died 8 months later. This case indicates that long-term surveillance is needed to closely monitor the risk of t-MDS in patients treated with CRT.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols / adverse effects*
  • Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols / therapeutic use
  • Chemoradiotherapy / adverse effects*
  • Esophageal Neoplasms / therapy*
  • Fatal Outcome
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Myelodysplastic Syndromes / etiology*
  • Oropharyngeal Neoplasms / therapy*